As part of the Coastal Entrepreneur Awards program, area chambers of commerce share their top business and organization picks.
Burgaw Area Chamber of Commerce: Burgaw Brewing
“Kevin and Emmaline Kozak teamed up with Richard Johnson, the founder of Burgaw Now, to open Burgaw Brewing in historic downtown Burgaw. The Brewpub opened in March of 2023 and has been a welcome addition to downtown Burgaw’s up-and-coming revitalization.
Kevin and Emmaline immediately fell in love with Burgaw’s small-town charm and tight-knit community. They enjoy offering a range of craft beers with a focus on traditional German Lagers and a food menu that keeps folks coming back for more.”
Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce: Topsail Magazine
“Topsail Magazine is a high-quality print publication celebrating the people, places, events, businesses, nonprofits, environment, history and lifestyle of the greater Topsail area. Its digital component, topsailmag.com, offers the same content as well as bonus features that are digital-only. Part of the Carolina Marketing Company family of multiple publications, Topsail Magazine seeks to engage and entertain both residents and visitors …. Justin Williams, CEO of Carolina Marketing Company, purchased Topsail Magazine from its founder, B.J. Cothran, four years ago. He and his team have grown the magazine, website and social media platforms.”
North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce: Bridgewater Wines + Dines
“Bridgewater Wines + Dines opened in Leland in November 2018. It is a local, family-run business, [by] Doug and Susan Zucker and their offspring, which specializes in building relationships with their customers. They offer over 1,000 varieties of wines and have free wine tastings each week from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. They offer food, wine and culture trips around the world with wine producers they know. … Doug and Susan opened Bridgewater Wines + Dines in Porters Neck around Labor Day 2021. They are also building a new location, which will be three times the size of their current location in Leland.”
Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce: Cape Fear Fitness
“Cape Fear Fitness first opened its doors in 2008 to provide a full-service fitness facility to Brunswick County. Our gym focuses on providing personalized fitness solutions, exceptional customer service, and a supportive environment that encourages everyone to achieve their fitness goals. Beyond traditional gym services, we emphasize personalized support and a commitment to overall well-being, creating a positive and inclusive fitness environment,” gym officials said. “At Cape Fear Fitness, we offer a variety of fitness classes, including yoga, kickboxing, Pilates, spinning, Silver Sneakers classes, and nutrition counseling, recognizing that physical health is deeply intertwined with mental and emotional well-being.”
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce: Cape Fear Provisions
“Gene McGonigle has over 24 years of experience in the food industry. He has demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in managing Cape Fear Provisions. Cape Fear Provisions is a distribution company handling over 48,000 pounds of Boar’s Head products weekly for various retailers and institutions. The Cape Fear Provisions team includes drivers, mechanics for the 11 vehicles owned by the company, trainers for store deli associates and an executive chef who focuses on the products to share new ideas and recipes using the products.”
Meet the 2024 CEA Winners
